29 August,2026 08:36 PM IST | Maharashtra | mid-day online correspondent
A palm oil tanker overturned and caught fire on the Mumbai-Pune Expressway in Raigad district on Saturday. Pic/PTI
A tanker carrying palm oil overturned and caught fire on the Mumbai-Pune Expressway in Maharashtra's Raigad district on Saturday afternoon, prompting a rescue operation by police and emergency personnel.
The incident took place within the jurisdiction of the Khopoli Police Station. The tanker driver, who was trapped inside the cabin following the accident, was rescued safely after a joint operation.
According to preliminary information, the tanker was carrying palm oil from Bengaluru to Taloja when the accident occurred.
The driver, identified as Irshad Ahmed Rehman, 27, was travelling towards Taloja when he reportedly lost control of the vehicle at around 12:20 pm on the Mumbai-bound lane of the Mumbai-Pune Expressway.
The tanker overturned following the loss of control and subsequently caught fire.
The accident led to an immediate response from the Khopoli Police Station, with teams rushing to the spot after receiving information about the incident.
The driver was trapped inside the tanker's cabin after the vehicle overturned. Police and other personnel immediately began rescue efforts to safely remove him from the damaged vehicle.
After sustained efforts, the rescue teams managed to pull Rehman out of the cabin safely.
He suffered minor injuries in the accident and was subsequently shifted to MGM Hospital for further medical treatment.
Police personnel remained involved in the rescue operation and coordinated efforts to ensure that the trapped driver was brought out safely despite the tanker catching fire.
The circumstances that led to the tanker losing control are yet to be established. Further details regarding the accident and any impact on traffic movement along the expressway were not immediately available.
The incident occurred on a busy stretch connecting Mumbai and Pune and involved a tanker carrying edible oil. Authorities are expected to ascertain the exact cause of the accident as part of the ongoing proceedings.
The tanker was travelling from Bengaluru to Taloja when it overturned on the Mumbai-bound lane.
The prompt rescue operation ensured that the driver, who was trapped inside the vehicle, was safely evacuated and provided medical attention for his injuries.
(With inputs from PTI)
